Bravo! The 2009 "Best In Show" Westminster Kennel Club trophy was awarded to "Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee," aka "Stump,"  a Sussex Spaniel.

Yes!  It’s thrilling that this handsome and calm old boy is the 133rd “Best in Show.”  What a great outcome (and encouragement) for everyone who loves, cherishes and lives with old and/or ailing dogs!

In 2004, Stump had a mystery illness that lasted 19 days and from which he nearly died.  Fortunately, he wasn’t given up on and able to rally, miraculously.  Four years later he’s still going strong, napping and lounging always acceptable—and now, especially.

Perhaps, it helps that Stump sleeps with a previous Westminster Kennel Club winner, JR (a white Bichon Frise).  In fact, JR accompanied Stump to NYC for this year’s competition (as moral support). Is it time for an important message to be put out there?  Please be more sensitive to and embrace older dogs.  They have a lot to offer.  Puppies are fun, but dogs in their golden years are extra special, and there are many out there to take care of and/or adopt.

Stump, already "retired," did no specific training for the competition.  He just rose to the occasion, literally, and seemed a "natural."  As a finale, he surprised and excited the crowd by standing on his hind legs after receiving the award.  Then, at the press conference, directly following his victory, he was a little tired.  But, anyone would have been—(wo)man or dog.  What a whirlwind experience he had had, and the night was still young.  His social calendar for the next 24 hours would be packed!

Best in Show judge, Sari Brewster Tietjen, said that Stump represents so much for a breed that’s hard to find.  She was clearly delighted to have been able to choose him.

Scott Sommer, Stump’s co-owner/handler suggested that Stump’s travel and event schedule during his year as champ would be significantly less than Uno’s (last year’s winner).  Stump would definitely try to do what he could, but within reason.  After all, age, geography, and logistics are significant factors to consider.

 

Amercan Kennel Club Details:

• Ch Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee
• Breed: Spaniel (Sussex)
• Sex: Dog
• AKC: SN 61688903
• Date of Birth: December 01, 1998
• Breeder: Douglas Horn & Douglas Johnson & Dee Duffy
• Sire: Ch Three D Genghis Khan
• Dam: Ch Clussexx Sprinkled With Dew
• Owner: Cecilia Ruggles & Beth Dowd & Scott Sommer

Greetings from New York City, where I’m thrilled to be attending the Westminster Dog Show and related festivities.  Many more pictures and "wagging tails" to share in future blog posts.  But, for now, it’s a fond farewell to Uno, 2008’s  “Best in Show.”  His reign is nearly over…

Yesterday, David Frei hosted this champion’s last big press conference (image above) with owner Caroline Dowell (image below).  Uno’s stepping down is bitter sweet.  He has had a wonderful year and been a model example—participant with and spokesdog for many great and caring organizations, like Angel on a Leash. 

Afterwards, I the seized the opportunity to get to know Uno a little (image below).  This Beagle who loves bagels was winding down from all the excitement…and doughy human treats.

Usually, pictures say more than words.  And, in the age of digital photography, it’s hard to resist the urge to snap most everything in sight.  Here are some more favorite photographic memories from last year.

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Fish-like kites, Ocean Drive

Man-made coastal walk:  The Cliff Walk

Quaint architecture:  Castle Hill Inn

Beautiful blue:  Hydrangeas

Evening sail with golden glow

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Clever Pigeons, Central Park

Joan Miro self-portrait (MOMA)

Memorial:  To John Lennon, in Strawberry Fields, Central Park

Today Show Set after-hours

Other favorite photographic memories from 2008 are included in: What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 1 (January 26, 2009) and  What to See and/or Do in 2009. Photos, Memories, Ideas, and Surprises from 2008. PART 3 (January 31, 2009).

Thanks to a News Alert e-mail landing in my in-box at 3:57 p.m. (eastern standard time), 8:57 p.m., UK time, I found out about US Airways Flight 1549’s crash almost right away.  After clicking on the link in the e-mail, live-at-the-time MSNBC video footage appeared.

Today’s plane crash was, allegedly, due to a double bird-strike by Canada Geese. Perhaps, as a result, more attention will be given to city birds and how man and nature can often end up as unfortunate accidental obstacles for each other.

Ironically, fighting jet lag (after an overnight transatlantic flight), I was in the midst of resizing imagery of Canadian migrating birds for a future blog post. Birds are too often taken for granted, and I was planning to show a wonderful personal in-city (Toronto) sighting.  The shots that follow were taken from my bathroom window one late fall/early winter morning:

Birds collecting in the trees

Birds moving between trees

Birds close up

Birds taking off

It’s a shame there’s no audio with these photos. It was the sound the readying-to-depart birds made that alerted me, and was the most memorable.

MORE IMPORTANT NOW:  Thankfully all passengers and crew from the downed US Airways plane were rescued swiftly and efficiently, with medical experts close by almost immediately.  What an impressive operation!  A true Manhattan miracle.  Kudos to all involved, especially the pilot! A "good news" story!

Heath Ledger’s unfortunate death has generated much discussion about its nature—whether it was accidental or not. From the LA Times to Time (and beyond), it’s become a major news story!  Close family and friends of the deceased insisted right away on "accidental causes." Noone likes to think about, admit to, or acknowledge the "S"(uicide) possiblity, at anytime.

Media have provided a lot of extra/invasive hype, with many presumptive questions.  Naturally, suggestions of foul play abound, with analyses of the actor’s distresses.  Whatever the truth might actually be, we’ll never really know. Sadly, the one person who could have told us isn’t around anymore.  Apparently, he was found alone, face-down and naked on his bed, by service providers (his housekeeper and his masseuse).  Close family were thousands of miles away, and the face that Ledger gave to the world in his many outstanding film performances was, obviously, not the face he wore privately (of late).

Ledger was famous. That’s why we get to hear, see, and read about him, and his final days and hours.  But, there are many other individuals, just like this movie star, dying every day—and in our own midst. Their burnout, despair, frustration, and loneliness cannot be remedied effectively.  Accidents and non-accidents happen, closer to home and all the time…

No matter the nice things said and done after a "loved one" is gone, nothing can make up for what was not said and done when he or she was alive (manifesting that all wasn’t right). The "take-home message" is to be more mindful of those around us continually—and sensitive to our interactions with them.  We truly never know how we might affect someone else, and what the consequences might be.  What’s not a big deal for you, might be for someone else. Everything adds up.  And, sometimes, just one more disappointing encoounter may be that one more too many…

This following simple poem, "Depression Alert," is an important one to remember. I included it (below) in tribute to Ledger. His untimely death provides an opportunity to share sentiments that might not have gained exposure otherwise.  Think of those with whom your life intersects. Perhaps they need a little more attention, consideration, and follow-up than you’ve been able to give them till now.  We may all be "busy," but…

DEPRESSION ALERT!

The places you don’t go
Clothes you don’t wear
People you don’t see

Others’ imaginings…

A life of ease
Please don’t tease

The pain
Nothing you can explain

Torment deep within
Understanding thin

Not who they think you are
Distance very far

Spoken up and not heard
Silent and more congenial

Another funeral.

 

An after-the-event Florence Biennale critique with judge Gregorio Luke was helpful. With perseverance and commercialism (of my imagery), he forecast, "new doors opening."  Luke stood out from other exhibition judges with his extra efforts to speak to as many Biennale participants as possible.  His general message was that it’s not what ciritcs say, it’s what you do as artist.  An expert on Frida Kahlo, he suggested using her approach as "model": communicating directly with the public.  In fact, during his official presentation, Luke stated, "Don’t try to go to a closed and elitist art establishment." (Image above, taken during Luke’s official presentation.)

Gilbert and George, honored with the Biennale’s "Lorenzo il Magnifico" career award, are quite different from Kahlo—in intention, appeal, and subject matter.  During Tim Marlowe’s Biennale interview with them, they insisted "Art has to be powerful or people pass it by…"  (Maybe they meant "shocking"?).  Their "Naked Shit" series (the title of which Marlowe repeated over and again in his questions) is just one example.  Gregorio Luke, the first time I introduced myself to him, stated,  "I don’t know your name, but I remember your art!"  Encouraging for work that’s not likely to be considered  "shocking"…

The evening before Gilbert and George’s interview, I ran into them by the Ponte Vecchia.  These "Men in suits" (a way, they claim to be have been able to sell themselves to dealers, from 1968 on) were now "men in overcoats," and a young Florentian was trying to take their picture with his cell phone camera.  I helped out, enabling him to be in the shot with them, then shared that I was a Florence Biennale artist hoping for feedback. Keeping the focus on themselves, the duo expressed surprise that I could have missed their enormous exhibit at the Tate (even though I told them that I don’t live in the UK). A conversation closer…

Another important man (in suit) who cut things short with me, last November, was Donald Trump.  In New York City, the week before leaving for the Biennale, I was meeting a friend at the Trump Tower cafeteria for lunch. By surprise, I noticed "the Donald" going up the escalator, and decided to approach him.  "Mr Trump" I braved, "May I please ask you a question?"  Thin and pale (without TV makeup), he turned in my direction, responding, "You’re a beautiful woman…  where are you from?"  The answer "Toronto," it appears, wasn’t a good one.  Hand up in the air after hearing this, he turned, elevator doors closing behind him.  Alas, no chance to pitch my Biennale exhibit series, "Buon Appetito!" to him.  Since climbing Kilimanjaro, I might have become a little more gusty—but there’s always need for help with closing a deal!

Virgin trains are infamous among Brits for their delays and diversions.  I can now confirm this from personal experience.  My Liverpool - London train, last week, got diverted to Coventry, clipping the time I got to spend in London.  That’s the bad news!  Then, though I’d booked a regular ticket for the return to Liverpool, I somehow ended up in a First Class carriage (not that there was anything wrong with Second Class—every seat has its own electrical outlet).  That’s the good news!

What a treat first class was—or would have been, had I known in advance, and not slipped into Marks and Spencer to buy refreshments. (M and S has become so user-friendly, with mini-stores at train and gas stations, throughout Britain, you know you can pick up a decent snack from them almost anywhere anytime.) 

First Class Virgin passengers are served unlimited meals and drinks (including wine and alcohol), and are offered an array of complimentary reading materials and other resources.  The tableware and accessories aren’t paper or plastic, the seats comfortable, and crew very friendly.  The journey back passed so fast, I wasn’t ready to get off the train!  There’s also First Class Lounges at key stations.  Had I known…! 

In the little red book placed on every table on the train, there’s a note on the front page, with an e-mail address. If you’ve been "particularly impressed" with the service received by staff on the train, they want to know at feelgood@virgintrains.co.uk.  

I think about my Amtrak experiences on the Boston - New York route, when living in Boston.  Performance, or lack of it (as well as train station food and other compensations) don’t compare!

 

When I attend a conference I’ve come to look forward to the unexpected. Some of the most profound learning experiences evolve from chance remarks or unanticipated conclusions, rather than what’s highlighted on the program.  This year’s ASJA weekend,"Making Your Writing Dreams Come True" (April 20 - 22) proved no exception.  Here are some details that struck me:

1.  A book on the Barnes and Noble display table entitled:  How To Move To Canada.  A Primer for Americans.

2.  The Idea Marketplace’s best exhibit:  City of Philadelphia.  They know how to not have you forget them with all their freebies, which included the notebook in which I recorded the information for this blog piece.  Inside the cover, it gave the blog address, uwishuno.com, promoting a blog written by "genuine Philadelphians."

3.  An agent’s most disappointing confession came from Adam Chromy, founder of Artists and Artisans.  What an author wants, as explained in proposals submitted to him, isn’t Chromy’s concern:  "I don’t care what you want," he states, "I want to make money!"  Other panelists and audience members responded, "The truth comes out…"  Chromy also insisted that the book, itself, isn’t the "business engine" for clients making money any longer.  More can be gained from speaking engagements and web-related activities and products.

4.  An agent’s most honest confession came from Ken Wright, from Writers’ House:  He said, "I love this.  This is exactly the kind of book that I love…"  Subjective endorsements are obvious when agents aren’t just looking to make a quick buck.  They truly feel a connection with what they’re representing, representing it because they can do so with genuine passion.

5.  A writer’s most powerful development tool—the blog—was overviewed to advantage by Bill Dyszel, author of Microsoft Outlook for Dummies and more.  He explained how blogs provide a new "business model for writers" where you get to be your own publisher (despite the risks that might be involved).  He also highlighted how the public seems to put more credence in a blog than professional media, today.  Blogs can be considered more inviting because of their more personal tone.  It’s like they’re put out by "friends."

6.  The most progressive marketing strategy for publishing houses came from Penguin’s Matt Boyd, who revealed his work behind the scenes to promote their authors and books, with little to no cost.  Penguin uses every possible web aid, from creating websites and blogs to My Space profiles and beyond.  The greater the free buzz on line, the better the sales and profits off-line!

7.  A gracious and courageous keynote speaker, Jeanette Walls, author of The Glass Castle.  A Memoir reinforced what’s long-overdue for being put out there  (exposed, questioned, and accepted):

Re. truth:
• "There’s the facts, and then there’s the deeper truth."
• "What is your truth, and how do you choose to say it?"
• "’The truth shall set you free.’"

Re. "you":
• "You don’t know what you would do or be like in different circumstances."
• "The things we think are our flaws might ace up the hole."
• "Face your deamons."

Re. other people:
• "You can control yourself and your life, but you can’t change other people."
• "Don’t underestimate yourself, or other people."
• "In writing about yourself, you make the tough decision to write about other people.

She also drew attention to a Talmudic quote:  "’When the heart speaks, the heart listens.’"

8.  A children’s book writing’s guru was born.  Liza Burby publicized her new book, How to Publish Your Children’s Book:  A Complete Guide to Making the Right Publisher Say Yes, and announced that she’ll soon have a website too.

The best take-home gift of the conference came from the acclaimed author/agent/editor Terry Whalin.  His very generous and comprehensive blog and websites are invaluable, for prospective and veteran writers alike.  Check out http://terrywhalin.blogspot.com/ and http://www.right-writing.com/ and you’ll agree.

For anyone hoping to get published, and do it the right way, the ASJA conference provides a potpourri of learning opportunities and connections for everyone—novice to expert.  And then there’s the back-drop on New York City—the publishing industry’s mecca and a fine place to visit as spring fever hits…